Section 5: Maintenance/Repairs
WARNING Before inspecting, cleaning or servicing the unit, shut off engine, wait for all parts to come to a complete stop, disconnect spark plug wire and move wire away from spark plug. Remove ignition key on electric start models. Failure to follow these instructions can result in serious personal injury or property damage.
CLEANING THE ENGINE
FOAM DEBRIS FILTER
It is extremely important to keep the foam debris filter (A, Figure
Clean the foam debris filter every time you refuel (also remove all debris from around the fuel fill cap).
To wash the debris filter, remove the outer
When clean, rinse the debris filter thor- oughly, then air dry it. The wire guard may also be removed to clean out any debris. Replace the wire guard and foam filter
NOTE: Inspect the engine air filter sys- tem as per the Engine Owner’s Manual.
WARNING
GENERAL LUBRICATION
Apply grease, light oil or
Light Grease:
•Wheel axle shaft pivot points
•Throttle control cable (if so equipped)
•Control bail cable
•Nuts, bolts and other hardware
NOTE: The spindle head is perma- nently lubricated at the factory. There is no need for additional lubrication.
COMPACT STORAGE
For compact storage of the unit, re- move the two screws and locknuts se- curing the handlebar and carefully (to avoid kinking the cable) rotate the han- dlebar so that the upper portion rests on the engine and the handlebar legs face to the rear of the unit.
•Store machine on a level surface.
•Thoroughly inspect the machine for any loose, broken or missing parts. Repair or replace parts as necessary.
•Remove all fuel from fuel tank or use a fuel stabilizer additive as directed in the Engine Owner’s Manual.
•Change engine oil.
•Remove spark plug and squirt 1/2- ounce of engine oil into spark plug hole. Cover hole with a rag. Slowly pull recoil starter rope to crank engine, then reinstall plug.
•Clean any dirt, grass or chaff from the air cooling system intake area and other parts of the engine.
•Check nuts, bolts, other hardware for tightness. Replace missing hardware.
•On an electric start model, remove key from keyswitch. Charge battery for 24 hours before and after storage.
•Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug. Prevent wire from touch- ing spark plug by placing wire boot away from spark plug.
Never run engine without the debris filter properly in- stalled. If debris filter is not properly installed, grass clip- pings may be drawn into en- gine, causing heat buildup and, in some cases, a fire.
Failure to comply can cause injury or property damage.
B 
A 
C
Figure
GENERAL ENGINE
MAINTENANCE
Perform the following engine mainte- nance for your engine according to the engine maintenance schedule and in- structions in the separate Engine Owner’s Manual:
•Check engine oil level.
•Add oil to engine.
•Change engine oil. (In order to change the oil, debris flap and belt cover removal are required to access the oil drain plug.)
•Inspect the air cleaner.
•Inspect the spark arrester muffler (if so equipped).
•Inspect the spark plug.
OFF-SEASON STORAGE
When storing the trimmer/mower for extended periods, follow these proce- dures to ensure that the trimmer/mower will be in good condition for future use.
WARNING
•Never perform mainte- nance when engine is run- ning or spark plug wire is connected except when in- structed to do so.
•Never store mower with fuel in fuel tank inside a building where fumes can reach an open flame or spark, or where ignition sources are present such as hot water and space heaters, furnaces, clothes dryers, stoves, electric motors, etc. Make sure engine is cool be- fore storing.
•Drain gasoline outdoors into an approved container.
•Do not smoke and keep fuel away from open flame.
Failure to follow these in- structions will result in seri- ous personal injury or prop- erty damage.
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